by Silla Webb
The first time I ever laid eyes on Luke I was affected, but I didn’t understand why. His fierce, intent stare literally caused my knees to quake, but being so deeply terrified of men I just assumed it to be apprehension. When my world crumbled around me, Luke was the one there scraping my lifeless form up off the ground. When I let fear wrack my trembling body, consuming me whole, Luke was there to hold me. When the torrent seas became too much and I felt as if I was drowning, claimed by the destruction of my life, Luke was my anchor holding me afloat. It was so hard to not fall in love with him, and as much as I battled with myself, my head telling me to stay guarded caging my heart, my heart identified it’s other half, bursting free from the steel barrier, clutching onto Luke.
“Where’d ya go, sweetheart?” Luke asks, nipping at my lips.
“Sorry, just got a little caught up in my head.”
“Yeah, anything ya wanna talk about?” He asks, glaring at me. He knows me too well. I often grow silent, getting lost in myself when something is bothering me, but right now I’m so at peace and happy because everything is right.
“Luke, we’re here – together. I’ve tried to keep my feelings for you at bay for too long, because I was scared. Hell, I’m still scared. This is all so much to process. I never expected to believe in love again, because after being left in pieces at Josh’s hand, my faith in love diminished. But you consume me so deeply that it’s impossible to ignore how I feel any longer.” He nods, kissing my forehead. “I love you so much, but just because we’re here, finally admitting our feelings I don’t think we need to rush things. I’m yours, all yours. But I want us to take little steps. Is that okay with you?”
“Sav, I have you, that’s all that matters to me, sweetheart.”
And just like that, all my fears are squashed and the doubt is washed away.
“Can I ask you one more thing?”
“Sweetheart, you don’t have to ask me if you can talk about anything. I want you to be comfortable talkin’ to me about everything. Just say it.” He reassures.
“When did you know?” I ask, searching his piercing baby blues that are filled with an all-encompassing love, and I realize this is the same way he’s always looked at me for as long as I can remember. As if I’m all he sees.
“The first time you curled into my side on the porch swing. You were so shaken and rattled with fear that I just wanted to hold you close, shielding you from the pain.” I smile, remembering the first night in my childhood home. Luke had offered to stay because he sensed my unease, but I refused, sending him on his way…or so I thought. Every little sound I heard that night worked me up into a frenzied state and I called Luke begging him to come check my house. The noises that I heard was Luke trying to get comfortable on the porch swing as he watched over me and my kids. “You melted against me that night and I knew then you would heal me as much as I wanted to heal you. I wanted to anchor you and help you build your strength because you were so broken, but you fooled me. You embraced the wreckage and anchored me.”
“Oh, Luke. I love you so much!” I crash my lips against his just as the tears spring into my eyes. My one constant, the only man to ever love me so endlessly. A love that not only I can see, but feel deep within my bones.
Pulling away, he trails his thumb across my cheek, catching my soft tears. “I love you, Savannah. I’ll spend the rest of my life cherishing you.” He feathers delicate kisses down my jaw and over my neck as his hands roam freely over my body, sending a blaze of heat up my skin. Cradling me in his arms, he gently claims me marking my flesh with his hands and mouth. Sex has never been this passionate, so consuming. But with Luke, it’s perfection. Much like the gentle ease of which he handled me last night, we make love tangled up in each-others’ arms until we find our release together.
Chapter Twenty Three
She rests her head on the window of the truck, watchin’ the world pass by. It’s hard to look away from her, I’m so entranced and love struck. If it weren’t for crashin’ the truck into the mountain side, my eyes would never leave hers. She hasn’t said much all mornin’ and although she’s been quiet her smile hasn’t faded even the slightest. I reach across the seat linkin’ our fingers together and bring her wrist up to my lips. When her eyes meet mine, the biggest smile splays across her face. She slides across the seat and rests her head upon my shoulder while she traces small circles with her fingertip over the palm of my hand.
“Your hand is clammy.” She whispers against my chest. I chuckle and clench both hands over the steering wheel firmly, noticin’ the cool, sweaty glaze that glides against the leather. Been fightin’ a panic attack all mornin’ long – ever since Savannah woke up in my arms. This is all that I want, but I still can’t help but worry that somehow it will all be ripped from my grasp.
We pull up Carly and Colton’s driveway and park. I help Savannah down from the truck, then walk with her hand in hand up to the front porch. As she knocks on the door I huff out a loud, hard breath. She turns towards me and smiles curiously. Tiltin’ her head she asks, “Why are you acting so funny?”
“Don’t know, sweetheart.” She giggles and rolls her eyes.
Carly opens the door and immediately notices our close contact, but doesn’t make any mention of it. Brailee and Braden come racin’ through the hallway and about tackle Savannah and me both back out the screen door, which tugs my heartstrings a little tighter.
“Y’all get all settled in?” Carly asks, takin’ a seat on the couch.
“Just a few more things to put together. But it’s already home,” Savannah replies, smilin’ from ear to ear. Carly glances over at me, her fierce restin’ bitch face in place, then it slowly transforms to some distorted mix of a scowl and a smile – only a face Carly Jo Weston can pull off.
“Luke Ashton, I’ll kick your ass if you hurt my sister. Do you understand me?” I nod, which apparently ain’t enough for her, so she starts in again. “You need to fully understand the context of my words, asshole! I don’t mean – oh I’ll playfully kick you in the ass…hell, no. I mean I will fully beat the damn brakes off of you! Simple enough for ya?!”
Tryin’ my damnedest not laugh in her face, I drop my head to my chest to hide the amusement on my face. Scrubbin’ my hand up the back of my neck, I say, “Yeah, beauts. I completely understand what’cha mean. But I promise you, she’s safe right where she’s at.”
She shakes her head and does that whole eye roll thing she’s always doin’ that I’ve never understood – but ain’t about to question. “Well, I guess y’all are ready to get your little family home then.” She pounces up to her feet and pads off down the hallway to get Braden and Brailee’s duffle bag. Nothin’ was salvageable from the fire and Savannah only picked them each up a few things to get ‘em through the week. She asked if we could take a trip to Lexington next weekend to do some shoppin’ and let the kids have some fun. I’m up for anything that will make them smile, so I happily agreed.
“Did you get Heidi Jo a bag of clothes, Carly? I told Colton we would take her tonight,” Savannah asks.
“Thanks, Sis, but I think we’re gonna have us a girls evenin’ since Colton’s helpin’ Bill down at the truck garage. But we might come by tomorrow evenin’ if y’all ain’t got plans,” Carly tells us with a wink.
“That would be great. Come by for dinner, say six o’clock,” Savannah replies, while helpin’ Brailee and Braden get their shoes on. I feel like I should be doin’ somethin’ to help, but I’m not really sure what exactly. So I just take their bag and shuffle back and forth on the balls of my feet, anxiously. Once the kids are ready they say their goodbyes and we all head out to the truck.
“Braden and I need to make a quick stop, but we won’t be but a few minutes. That alright with you, Sav?”
“Yeah, that’s fine. Where are we stopping?” Savannah asks.
“Just a little surprise, sweetheart.”
Ten minutes later I bring the truck to a stop. Savannah looks over at me suspiciously
as I pop the latch on the door and climb down from the truck. I help Braden down from the back seat then approach the front door of the house.
“Alright little man, I have a big surprise for you. I know that everything has been changin’ a lot lately and you’re probably a little confused and maybe even scared.” Braden gives me a curt nod as he tightens his small hand around my fingers. “Braden, I want you to know before we go in here that I’ll always do whatever I can to take away the fear. You can count on me, little man, okay?” He nods, never much for words. I rap my knuckles over the front door and seconds’ later Jase answers. We step inside, closin’ the door behind us to keep the cold air out. Jase makes small talk for a few minutes then excuses himself down the hallway, leavin’ Braden and I alone. “Ya alright there, little man?”
“Yeah, I guess. Just kinda confused on what the big de…” his brows draw tight as soft pitter patters pounce against the hardwood floor. A small puppy slides across the floor in a heap of excitement, then circles around Braden’s ankles several times before jumpin’ up on his legs. “A-a-a-a p-p-p-pup-ppy! You got me a p-pup-ppy?” He shouts, droppin’ to his knees lettin’ the dog lick at his face.
I squat down beside him and pet the American Bulldog’s head. “Do you wanna take her home?”
Braden leaps into my arms, wrappin’ his little hands around my neck. “Luke, this is the bestest surprise ever! Thank you!” I’ll take that as a yes. I pay Jase for our new puppy and the supplies he so kindly handled getting for me, then we make our way back out to the truck. The look on Savannah and Brailee’s faces is priceless when they see Braden carryin’ the puppy.
I open the back door and help Braden up in the truck, buckle his seat belt then place the pup in his lap. “Alright, son, introduce your little girl to ya momma and ya sister, okay.” He gives me a high five and a toothy grin. A grin that locks a chain around my heart like a vice.
“Luke, you cannot be serious about this!” Savannah laughs, her face full of shock and awe.
“This ain’t fair, Luke! Why does Braden get a puppy?” Brailee shrills, crossin’ her arms over her chest, stickin’ her lip out.
“Baby girl, ain’t you ever heard that boys are made of frogs, snails and puppy dog tails? Does any of that sound like you?” I ask her, but she finds no humor in my statement.
“Well, just what’s her name, Braden?” She huffs out. It’s obvious that her feelins’ are hurt. But they won’t be for long. Ya see, I never did take Brailee out to the house to see Buttercup. Savannah has known she was there for the last month, but I was just tryin’ to find the right time to bring the kids to my home. I didn’t wanna push things too fast and scare them. Fact is, they are a part of Savannah and if something doesn’t work right for her children, it won’t work for her. That wasn’t a risk I was willin’ to take.
“Momma, do you remember that rotten white puppy in that movie that you used to watch with us? ‘Member, the one we would all cry over?” Braden inquires.
“Marley and Me?” Savannah asks him.
“Yeah, Marley! That’s what I wanna name my puppy. Because she looks rotten like a Marley!” Braden says proudly. He’s all excited.
“Oh did you hear that Luke? You bought a defective puppy. It even looks rotten.” Although her tone is bubbly and enthusiastic, there’s sarcasm in her words.
“She’s a just a puppy, Sav,” I reassure her.
“Well I hope that means you plan to teach Braden how to take care of his defective puppy, because I only wipe baby tushies…I don’t clean up after dogs.” She replies, crossin’ her arms over her chest. So that’s where Brailee learned it. Both my girls’ pout, how adorable.
“No worries, sweetheart. I plan to teach our boy lots of things.” Savannah smiles an ear-splittin’ grin, shakin’ her head in amusement.
Puttin’ the truck in park, I shut the engine off then turn in my seat to look at Brailee. She looks annoyed and a little unsure. The kids have been through so much recently and I can understand their unease. “Alright, kiddos, we’re home sweet home. It’s cold outside, so we can’t be out here too long. Brailee, got somethin’ I wanna show ya, baby girl.” We climb outta the truck and Savannah helps Braden and Marley down from the back seat. Makin’ my way to the back, I open Brailee’s door and ask her, “Do you trust me, Brailee?” She nods her head, but her soft green eyes are already fillin’ up with tears. “Alright, baby girl. That’s good.” Takin’ her by the hand, I swing her up in my arms and around to rest on my back. She squalls out, then lets out a light giggle.
“You scared me!” She laughs. Savannah and Braden stay back givin’ me the chance to show Brailee her surprise.
Walkin’ through the field behind the house, Brailee asks, “So this is our home now?”
“Sure is, baby girl. Do you think you’ll like it here?” She grips onto my shoulders a little tighter, but stays quiet. “There’s a creek out this way and I can take y’all fishin’ this spring. Y’all can ride your bikes, get a swing set, maybe even a few more animals if you want. We can camp out and have bonfires, too.” She lets everything sink in, but like her momma I can tell she’s stewin’. She’s far too quiet.
We come closer to the arena and I slide Brailee off my back so she can explore everything on her own. She takes in her surroundings, studyin’ every inch of the property with wonderment. “What’s over there?” She asks, pointing towards the arena.
“Go on and have a look.” She takes off ahead of me, rippin’ at the ankle high grass as she walks.
Suddenly she pauses in her steps and slowly brings her index finger up to her lips. “Shhh….I need to listen.” Her eyes scan her surroundings harder as she listens to the white noises around us. She glances over her shoulder at me and something registers in her face. Not sure if it’s the trollopin’ sounds she’s hearin’, the scent of hay in the air or the glint of amusement she sees in my eyes. She turns around and takes off in a dead sprint towards the arena, runnin’ as fast as her little legs can carry her. I pick up my pace, joggin’ behind her.
She wastes no time with the gate, climbin’ through the rungs of fence post. Recognition washes over Brailee’s face and she screams, “Buttercup!” Buttercup slows her gallops and turns towards Brailee, instantly recognizing her long lost friend. Brailee runs towards the horse and wraps her arms around Buttercup the best she can. Buttercup leans her head into Brailee and nickers. For such a surprise reunion, this is truly one of the most beautiful moments I’ve seen. Unlike buying Braden a puppy to console his fears of all the changes in his young life, reuniting Brailee with her horse was giving this little girl a love that was stripped from her.
If it took every dime in my pocket to see these kids smile, I’d spare it. I love them as if they’re my own and I’ll always do whatever I can to love and take care of them.
“LUKE! Luke, please tell me you have a saddle!! Can I please ride!” Brailee jumps up and down, flailin’ her arms with excitement.
“Yeah, baby girl. In the barn. Let’s go. I’ll show ya around. She’s home with ya now, so you gotta help me take care of her. Deal?” I put my hand out for her to shake but she surprises me and leaps up in my arms and plants a kiss on my cheek.
“Yes! Deal! I can’t believe you brought my Buttercup back to me, Luke. That’s the nicest thing anyone could have ever done.”
“Come on, kiddos. It’s time for bed.” Savannah calls into the kitchen where I’m sharin’ chocolate chip cookies and milk with the twins. They huff and roll their eyes.
“Luke, talk Momma into lettin’ us stay up a little later tonight, please,” Brailee says, her sweet smile meetin’ her eyes.
“You’re cute, baby girl, but I ain’t about to get on your momma’s bad graces just so you can fall asleep on the couch in fifteen minutes.”
“Ahhh, Luke!” She whines. Yep, such a flair for the dramatic.
“Up ya go!” I say, liftin’ ‘em both up outta their chairs and sling them over my shoulders. I carry them upstairs wh
ere Savannah is waitin’ for them with a book in hand.
“So my children are sacks of potatoes now, Luke?” Savannah laughs, seein’ Brailee and Braden over each of my shoulders. I plant their feet on the floor and send them to brush their teeth.
“Hey, woman – you wanted ‘em in the bed, didn’t ya?” I tell her once they’re outta ear shot. “If I’d been persuaded by Brailee’s antics any further, I’d be beggin’ ya to let ‘em stay up late. But no, I didn’t let that cute smile break me down! See that – that’s teamwork, sweetheart. You should be so proud.”
“Aww, Luke, you are so cute,” she grins.
“Cute?” I say in utter disbelief, rememberin’ the time I nearly broke Savannah’s heart when I called her cute. “You call Ryleigh cute. Handsome, devilishly sexy – those are flirtations I can work with. But cute?” I gasp, claspin’ my hand over my chest for the full shocked affect. “I do have to say, Sav, you just punctured my heart.”
Brailee and Braden run into the room and pile into Brailee’s queen size bed beside Savannah. Savannah adjusts the covers over them both, then opens the book. She parts her mouth to read the first words and looks up at me in confusion, the twins’ eyes following hers. “Luke, what are you doing?”
I didn’t consider that she might want a few peaceful moments with the kids. Since the fire she has put all of her focus on tendin’ to me and gettin’ the house ready to bring the kids home. She’s missed them. I feel stupid for hoverin’ over them like this. “Sorry, sweetheart. I’ll be downstairs.” I turn on my heel towards the stairs when her voice startles me.
“Luke Ashton. Get your ass in here now!” I look over my shoulder and see she has the covers pulled back and the kids squished to her side, makin’ room for me to join them. A grin tugs up on my lips and I pad into the bedroom and join my family for the kids’ bedtime story.